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16 Virtual Research Opportunities for High School Students

Every discipline of study, from economics to physics to sociology, relies on research to fuel innovation. Research impacts the everyday functioning of industries, the direction of major policy decisions, and helps us understand the world around us. Today, research has become one of the most important ways for high school students to spend their time during the summer, with research experience becoming a distinctive advantage in the college admission process.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted a lot of research opportunities and experiences that students previously had access to. Due to social distancing rules, many high school students are finding it more difficult to gain hands-on experience. Additionally, several students who live in other parts of the world can have trouble accessing research opportunities located on-campus in countries abroad. Fortunately, a number of research opportunities are now virtual, making them more accessible for students.

Here are 15 Virtual Research Opportunities for High School Students:

1. Perimeter Institute International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP)

ISSYP is a summer program for current juniors and seniors who are interested in theoretical physics and want to pursue it in college. Students attend Perimeter Institute experts' talks on the newest theoretical physics issues, as well as short courses, keynote speeches, and mentorship sessions. ISSYP is a very competitive program that only accepts 30–40 students each year. While ISSYP used to be hosted at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Ontario, it is now an entirely online program.

Cost : $195

2. Veritas AI  - AI Fellowship

Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI a suitable environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship.  

These programs are designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni and you can expect a great, fulfilling educational experience. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. 

The   AI Fellowship  program will have students pursue their own independent AI research project. Students work on their own individual research projects over a period of 12-15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. In the past, students have worked on research papers in the field of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects   here

The application requires you to fill out an online application form , answers to a few questions pertaining to your background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest. It is open to all ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit past experience with AI concepts or Python. Do note that the application deadline and programs dates close on a rolling basis, with multiple cohorts throughout the year!

$1,790 for the 10-week AI Scholars program

$4,900 for the 12-15 week AI Fellowship 

$4,700 for both

Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply   here . 

3. UC San Diego Academic Connections Research Scholars

This summer program selects 25 students to work on research, individually with a UCSD faculty researcher, in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or Nanotechnology. The program has shifted online for the 2022 edition. The program is available to rising sophomore, junior, and senior students. The program lasts 6 weeks.

Cost : $4200

4. Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) (University of Iowa)

Designed for advanced students in their sophomore and junior years, this program is highly selective, and offers students the chance to conduct research in a wide list of fields ranging from Biochemistry to Religious Studies. Participants are placed under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and get to work on research with them. While some disciplines can only be researched offline, others are available online. The length of the program is 5 weeks. Applications for this program close on February 18th.

Cost : $6395

5. United Nations

On the United Nations' database, there are a plethora of volunteer opportunities. Volunteers who work from home are connected to government bodies, like the United Nations, and they help with a variety of civic advocacy efforts. Research, writing, translation, social media, and art and design are among the other volunteer activities available through the United Nations platform.

Cost : None

6. Camp Psych, Gettysburg College

This virtual program takes place over 5 days, rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible. This year, the dates are July 11-15th, 2022. The program is designed for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and involves approximately 17.5 hours of live sessions via Zoom. Students will spend most of the week in small groups, complemented with a few larger whole camp sessions. Each session will involve lectures, discussions, activities, and demonstrations. Instructors will answer questions about college, careers, and research.

Cost : $350

7. Syracuse University Pre-College Accelerated Online Semester: Social Psychology

The 8 week pre-college course is taught by SU faculty and instructors, and classes are structured like real college classes. The program is open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The program offers a wide variety of courses, ranging from forensic science to academic writing. Students attend classes and explore research on prominent topics in their chosen discipline.

Cost : $695

8. EnergyMag Research Internship

Open to high school and college students, EnergyMag offers virtual research internships to students looking to gain experience working in the renewable energy sector. Students gain research and analytical skills, alongside work experience, by researching specific companies, technologies, and markets. Internships can be half-time (2-8 weeks, 20 hours per week) or quarter-time (1-9 months, 8 hours per week)

9. PHC Group, LLC Mary Miller Summer Program

Through this paid internship, rising high school seniors and graduates can build leadership skills and pursue independent interests. Students will work on social media and community projects, as well as social marketing research under the direction of the public health director.

10. Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory – High School Student Summer Research Fellowship

In this research fellowship, students join MDI Biological Laboratory to develop their lab science research skills. Participants receive hands-on training and experience in research from instructors who work at premier labs. Before applying, students must be nominated by a teacher. Students receive a stipend for their participation.

Cost : None 11. Camp Euclid – A Mathematics Research Camp

Camp Euclid is a math research program for kids that takes place online. Math problems will be presented to the participants (which have never been solved before). Within a circle of fellow scholars, students spend time on understanding, solving, and applying complex math problems. The opportunity is open to students over the age of 13.

Cost : $1400

12. Seattle Children’s Research Institute – Research Training Program

Students can become familiar with research and gain hands-on experience, as well as increase their knowledge of global health. They will also participate in workshops on college readiness and career exploration. The program has both online and in-person components.

13. The Summer Youth Intensive Program

The College of Chemistry at UC Berkeley coordinates and conducts the Summer Youth Intensive Program (SYIP). The one-year program helps students who are interested in scientific research to gain hands-on experience, and improve their chances of success in college. It also aims to assist students in adjusting to college life.

Cost : $14,500

14. CHORI – Cystic Fibrosis Summer Research Program

The CHORI Summer Student Research Program allows students to spend three months during the summer immersed in basic and/or clinical research. The program matches students with one or two CHORI PIs who act as mentors, guiding them through the whole research process. The phases include research design, hypothesis testing, and methodological development. At the end of the program, students present their findings to their peers.

15. Simons Summer Research Program

Conducted from June 27th to July 29th this year, the Simons Summer Research Program gives high school students the opportunity to undertake hands-on research in a variety of disciplines, ranging from science and math to engineering. Students can join research teams, collaborate with faculty members, and learn about laboratory equipment and methodologies. Students receive a stipend for their participation.

16. UIllinois – High School STEM Research Programs

This program is open to rising high school juniors and seniors. Students receive an authentic STEM research experience at a research university for 6 weeks during the summer, in disciplines ranging from cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, physics, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, to electrical engineering. Students accepted into the program will be matched with another student and a teacher from their chosen field.

One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in a selective, structured research program, consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers. The program pairs you with a full-time researcher to develop your own independent research project, in any discipline of your choice. Last year over 1500 students applied to 500 slots in the research program! You can find the application form here.

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31 Research Opportunities + Internships for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

• Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students
• How to Find Research Opportunities in High School
• How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances?

Research drives innovation across every field of study, from natural sciences to health to history. Pursuing curiosity can impact industries, drive policy, and help us to better understand the world around us. Without curiosity and research, our society would surely stagnate. 

Contrary to popular belief, however, you don’t have to be a seasoned professional to conduct meaningful research. There are plenty of opportunities for high school students to get a head start on their future careers and contribute to substantial change. Keep reading to learn about 30 great opportunities for students looking for early chances to conduct research! 

Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students 

1. memorial sloan kettering human oncology and pathogenesis program.

Application Deadline: February 9

Location: New York, NY

Duration: Eight weeks (June 27 – August 22)

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) is one of the most well-known cancer centers in the world. The Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at MSK hosts a Summer Student Program for students to conduct independent research projects while participating in extracurricular activities, training, and other opportunities.  

During the eight-week program, participants work with a mentor who will act as a supervisor to help them develop their research skills. Additionally, students have the opportunity to complete an independent research project that aligns with their mentor’s work. All participants will present their projects at a poster session at the end of the summer.

To participate, you must have completed at least 9th grade by June 2024, be at least 14 years old by June 27, have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects, and submit two letters of recommendation. This is a paid opportunity—participants will receive a stipend. 

2. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 5 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 8) 

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program allows high school students to conduct real, innovative research over seven weeks through the renowned Rockefeller University, under the guidance of leading scientists. 

SSRP scholars will be able to design and conduct their own research project as part of a themed research track, which is modeled after a Rockefeller research topic and/or technique, with the help of scientist mentors from the Rockefeller community. Most of the research will be conducted in the RockEDU Laboratory—a 3,000-square-foot research space specifically dedicated to developing biomedical research skills.

Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program to participate.  

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline : Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15

Location:  Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year

Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have written an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, business, engineering, biology, and international relations.

This program is designed to accommodate your schedule—you can participate in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and the program is also conducted fully remotely. While you must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement (most students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3), no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required. The cost of the program ranges from $2,800 to $8,900, but financial aid is available.

Note that this is a selective program. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program. You can find more details about the application here .

4. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Application Deadline: December 13 

Location: Cambridge, MA

Duration: Five weeks (June 23 – August 3) 

The prestigious RSI, which takes place at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) annually, brings together 100 of the world’s top high school students. The free program blends on-campus coursework with off-campus science and technology research. 

Participants complete individual research projects while receiving mentorship from experienced scientists and researchers, and present their findings through oral and written reports in a conference-style setting at the end of the program. 

5. NYU Tandon – Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Application Deadline: March 6

Duration: 10  weeks (June 3 – August 9)

Open to New York City high school students who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June 2024, the ARISE program provides access to college-level workshops and lab research across fields like bio, molecular, and chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and AI.

Over the course of 10 weeks—four virtual and six in person—participants will receive guidance from graduate or postdoctoral students at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. 

6. Simons Summer Research Program

Application Deadline: February 7

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Duration: Five weeks (July 1 – August 9) 

During Stony Brook ’s Simons Summer Research Program, high school students conduct hands-on research in areas like science, math, and engineering while working with faculty mentors. Simons Fellows have the opportunity to join real research teams and learn about laboratory equipment and techniques. They also attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in special workshops, tours, and events. 

At the closing poster symposium, students will receive a stipend for their participation. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and currently be in your junior year. 

7. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program

Application Deadline: N/A

Location: Greater Seattle area

Duration: 8-10 weeks 

SPARK is a summer mentorship program that pairs high-achieving and highly motivated high schoolers with industry experts, university professors, and mentors to conduct research on customers and financial markets. The program is only open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.  

8. MDI Biological Laboratory – Biomedical Bootcamp 2024

Application Deadline: March 18 

Location: Bar Harbor, ME

Duration: One week (July 15 – 19) 

In this bootcamp, students will receive a hands-on introduction to biomedical research at MDI Biological Laboratory. Participants will learn essential scientific skills such as experimental design and hypothesis testing, cutting-edge laboratory techniques, data analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific communication. 

During the program, scientists and bioentrepreneurs at the lab will help participants explore scientific ethics at large, as well as career paths in biomedicine, research, and entrepreneurship in Maine and beyond.

Participants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and must be entering their junior or senior year in September 2024, or graduating in June 2024. 

9. Boston University – Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship  

Application Deadline: February 14  

Location: Boston, MA

Duration: Six weeks (June 30 – August 9)  

RISE is a six-week program for rising seniors with an interest in pursuing a major and/or career in STEM. There are a multitude of tracks available, in areas such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, and neuroscience. In each track, students conduct research under the mentorship of Boston University faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students. They will also attend weekly workshops with their peers. 

10. The Wistar Institute – High School Program in Biomedical Research

Application Deadline: March 31 

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Duration: Four weeks (July 15 – August 8) 

A leading biomedical research organization, The Wistar Institute is an ideal setting for students to learn research skills. Participants will complete their own research project while being trained in a principal investigator’s laboratory. They’ll also attend seminars, receive mentorship, and deliver a final presentation about their work.

Students are expected to participate Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Absences of more than two consecutive days cannot be accommodated. Students will receive a stipend of $1,000 upon completion of the program, to compensate for commuting costs or other personal expenses accrued during the program. 

11. California Academy of Sciences – Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

Location: San Francisco, CA

Duration: Multi-year, year-round participation (after school and on weekends)

This long term program gives San Francisco students from communities that are underrepresented in STEM the opportunity to learn about the world of science and sustainability. Students receive mentorship, develop career skills, and more—all while getting paid for their work. Students also attend workshops and conferences throughout the course of the program. 

12. NASA OSTEM Internship

Application Deadline: February 2

Location: Varies

Duration: Varies

NASA offers a variety of internships for high school students across its numerous campuses. Interns gain real-world work experience by working side by side with research scientists and engineers, which will strengthen their resume and help prepare them for their eventual careers. All participants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school full time.

13. New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship Program

Application Deadline: April 7

Duration: July 9 – August 15

Not all research is conducted in STEM subjects! Developed for students interested in history, the New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program gives participants the opportunity to conduct research on a history topic—2024’s theme is Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America . During the program, participants will work with historian mentors, visit history archives around New York City, lead gallery tours, and develop their historical thinking, communication, and digital media skills.

Applicants must be entering grades 10, 11, or 12, and live in the New York City metro area. This opportunity is unpaid for most participants, but some interns with demonstrated financial need can potentially receive a stipend.

14. Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship  

Application Deadline: March 1

Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: Six weeks (July 8 – August 14)

During this summer internship program, students will learn about the Adler Planetarium and the career opportunities within it and planetariums and museums in general, in areas ranging from Visitor Experience and Learning to Research. Students will also get the chance to see how research gets translated into a museum experience. 

15. Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia University (BRAINYAC)

Application Deadline: TBA for 2025 program

Duration: Eight weeks  

BRAINYAC participants receive the rare opportunity to work on research in a lab at Columbia University , one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, as high school students, which results in a stronger, more comprehensive understanding of how scientific discovery happens. They connect with real scientists, acquire essential research and laboratory skills, and learn about advances in neuroscience research. 

In order to apply, you must be in 10th or 11th grade and must be nominated by one of the program’s partners—S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, or BioBus.  

16. Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars Program

Application Deadline: Rolling admission 

Location: Brookfield, IL

Duration: N/A

Interactive workshops, fun activities, research, and community-based projects are at the core of this exciting internship. It’s an excellent opportunity for students who love animals and also want to gain research skills in the domains of zoology, environmental science, and conservation. 

As a King Scholar, you’ll learn about different topics through Foundation Courses, such as Diversity Awareness and Introduction to Conservation, all while networking with others and preparing for college and an eventual career in a related field. After one year of participation, you’ll be invited to apply for scholarships and paid positions at the zoo. 

17. The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History  

Application Deadline: March 8

Duration: One year (August to June) 

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in New York City. Its Science Research Mentoring Program is an amazing opportunity for NYC high school students to conduct a yearlong research project with Museum scientists. 

Students in SRMP get paid to learn how scientific research is conducted. Depending on their topic of study, students can learn a variety of different research skills, like working with DNA in the lab, analyzing data from space-based telescopes, reading scientific articles, and learning to code and analyze data in Python, R, and other programming languages. 

18. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Application Deadline:   February 15

Location: Lubbock, TX

Duration: Seven weeks (June 16 – August 1) 

Through the Anson L. Clark Scholar Program, an intensive seven-week summer research program for twelve highly qualified high school juniors and seniors, students will gain hands-on experience with practical research alongside experienced and knowledgeable faculty at Texas Tech University .

Students can choose to participate in research in one field from a broad variety of options, including cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, history, and more! 

To apply, students must complete an online application that includes short essays, high school transcripts, test scores (at least a PSAT if no others are available), three recommendations (at least two from teachers), and a list of the student’s top five activities.

19. UChicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program  

Application Deadline: January 16 

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 2)

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program is an immersive eight-week paid summer research program at the University of Chicago . During the program, high school and undergraduate students are paired with a data science mentor, whose expertise could be in computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, biomedical research, or another related field.

Participants will hone their research methodology, research practice, and teamwork skills. No prior research experience is required to apply. All participants will receive access to applied data science research, which they will use to craft a research project. The project findings will be presented in a video that will be shown at an end-of-summer symposium.

20. UT Austin College of Natural Sciences High School Research Academy

Application Deadline: March 24

Location: Austin, TX

Duration: Five weeks (June 10 – July 17) 

Through UT Austin ’s HSRA, high school students participate in interdisciplinary research projects being conducted by active College of Natural Sciences laboratories in fields such as biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, ecology, and more. 

There is a scholarship fund for underserved groups, so some stipends and free tuition scholarships may be available to students with demonstrated financial need. 

21. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience – Summer Research Internship

Location: Jupiter, FL

Duration: Six weeks (June 17 – July 26) 

The MPFI Summer Research Internship offers rising juniors and seniors an immersive laboratory experience where they can learn from seasoned researchers. The program is designed specifically for students with an interest in brain structure, function and development, and the advanced imaging techniques and technologies used in neuroscience. 

Program participants will participate in research projects alongside MPFI scientists, prepare a written scientific abstract based on their research project, and deliver a short presentation at the end of the summer. Research tracks include neuroscience, scientific computer programming, and mechanical engineering as it relates to neuroscience.

Applicants must be entering their junior or senior years in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school, be residents of one of those two counties, and be at least 16 by the beginning of the internship. Interns will be paid at a rate of $12.50 per hour.

22. Lincoln Park Zoo Malott Family Zoo Intern Program

Application Deadline: March 11 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 9) 

During this paid seven-week program, high school students learn how to educate others about animal and conservation sciences while crafting digital messages to engage audiences. The program culminates in a final project. Throughout the internship, students meet with researchers and the Animal Care staff to explore careers in the animal science and conservation fields. 

Applicants must be Chicago residents between the ages of 15-18, and must be entering grades 10-12 or their freshman year of college by the start of the internship.

23. The Scripps Research High School Internship Program  

Application Deadline: April 19

Location: La Jolla, CA

Duration: Seven weeks  

The Scripps Research Institute’s La Jolla, California headquarters is proud to offer a seven-week hands-on research experience for San Diego County high schoolers. The program is specially designed to expose students to careers in the biological and chemical sciences, to provide hands-on laboratory experience, and to motivate and prepare students for continuing education in STEM. 

Because Scripps is committed to increasing the number of students from underrepresented communities in STEM college programs, a special emphasis is placed on identifying and recruiting students who are from groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences. All students will receive a $4,760 stipend.

24. QuarkNet Summer Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 31

Location: DuPage County, IL

Duration: Seven weeks (June 17 – August 2) 

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong interest in STEM have a unique opportunity to work with scientists on research projects during this paid seven-week program at the prestigious Fermilab, located just outside of Chicago near Batavia, IL.

Interns are encouraged to indicate areas in which they have a particular interest, although research projects vary yearly based on the work ongoing at the lab. Broadly speaking, Fermilab’s focus is on particle physics.

Required application materials include a questionnaire, a letter of recommendation, and an essay. To apply, students must have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status and must provide evidence of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Participants will be paid at a rate of $17.20 per hour.

25. RISE Environmentor Internship

Location: Far Rockaway, NY

Duration: Six weeks (July 1 – August 15)

The Environmentor Internship offers a great opportunity for 9th through 11th graders who live or attend school near the Rockaway Peninsula to gain firsthand research experience. Participants are mentored by scientists from local universities and research institutions as they work on projects focused on the Rockaway shoreline. Past research topics have included sea turtle strandings, octopus behavior, mussel denitrification, and dolphin fin morphology.

Students will also take part in water safety courses, receive CPR training, and explore on-water activities like kayaking and surfing. Students receive up to a $1,200 stipend, as well as community service hours for their participation in the program.

26. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Application Deadline: February 24

Location: Stanford, CA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 1)

Students in this summer program are given the chance to perform research on a medically oriented project and work side by side with Stanford University students, researchers, and faculty. Students can choose from eight areas of research, including topics like immunology, cancer biology, and bioinformatics, which are all designed to increase their interest in the biological sciences and provide a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted.

The program is open to current high school juniors and seniors. Students will receive a minimum $500 stipend for their participation in the program.

27. Secondary Student Training Program

Application Deadline: February 16

Location: Iowa City, IA

Duration: June 19 – July 26

High schoolers in grades 10 and 11 can take part in an immersive research experience, which will allow them to explore their interests, enhance their academic skills, and build relationships with their peers during this research-focused summer program.

Participants can choose from a multitude of research areas, ranging from biology to industrial and systems engineering to religious studies. The program culminates with students creating and presenting a poster of their findings. All participants will live on the University of Iowa ‘s campus for the duration of the program, and have access to all of the university’s libraries, study areas, and computer facilities.

Although this program is quite expensive, with a fee of $7,500, financial aid is available to cover up to 95% of the cost.

28. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program

Location: Urbana, IL

Duration: Six weeks (June 20 – August 2)

This program, offered by the prestigious Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) , allows students to gain hands-on research experience in fields such as cancer immunology, AI, physics, quantum mechanics, and electrical engineering. They will also build valuable general life skills by participating in seminars on topics ranging from the college admission process to how to communicate scientifically.

The program is open to rising 10th through 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

29. Summer Science Program (SSP)

Duration: Varies depending on location and field of focus

Students in the SSP get the chance to work in small teams on a real research project and gain firsthand experience taking and analyzing data. Research opportunities are offered in three fields—astrophysics, biochemistry, and genomics—and are held at a variety of institutions, including University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Georgetown University , Purdue University , and New Mexico State University .

The program is open to high school juniors, although a small number of exceptional sophomores have attended the program. You must be between 15-19 to participate, and have completed prerequisite coursework, which varies by field. Financial aid is available for this program.

30. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

Application Deadline: January 29

Location: Bar Harbor, ME, and Farmington, CT

Duration: 10 weeks (June 1 – August 10)

Students immerse themselves in genetics and genomics research while learning about laboratory discovery and scientific communication, as well as building professional skills. Over the course of the 10-week program, students work with a mentor to develop a research project, implement their plan, analyze their data, and report their results.

This prestigious program is competitive. Just 40 students are selected to participate annually. Participants receive a $6,500 stipend and have their room, board, and travel expenses covered.

31. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

Application Deadline: March 31

Location: Seattle, WA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 24 – August 16) 

This full-time, paid internship opportunity offers students a chance to immerse themselves in activities at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, one of the top cancer research centers in the world. The program begins with two weeks of laboratory training and is followed by six weeks of mentored activities, research seminars, workshops focused on college and careers, and social activities.

The program is open to high schoolers entering their senior year with a strong interest in science and high academic achievement, and is specifically aimed at students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science. Interns receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program.

How to Find Research Opportunities in High School 

Define your area of interest .

Before you start looking for opportunities, narrow your area of interest a bit, whether it’s cancer, engineering, computer science, neuroscience, or something else entirely. Also bear in mind that while there may be more STEM opportunities available for high school students, research isn’t limited to these fields—research is also a key component of the social sciences, humanities, and other non-STEM fields. 

While you should be somewhat specific about what you’re hoping to research, don’t narrow your scope so much that it’s impossible to find a valuable opportunity, especially since opportunities for high schoolers in general are more limited than they are for students who have completed at least some college.

Talk to People in Your Immediate Circle 

Teachers, neighbors, your family, parents of friends, friends of your parents—any of these people could know about a research opportunity for you, or at least know someone else who does. Throughout your life, you will find that networking is often the key to finding career opportunities. 

Leveraging your network can help you uncover unique opportunities crowdsourced by the people who know you best—the best opportunities aren’t always hosted by large universities or programs. 

Reach Out to Local Institutions and Laboratories 

In addition to networking with your immediate circle, reach out to local facilities, such as labs, hospitals, clinics, and universities that conduct research. Even if opportunities aren’t publicized, these institutions and laboratories may be willing to make room for you. Remember: when pitching your idea, don’t make it too niche—this will make it more difficult to find a fit and market your skills to labs. 

Cast a Wide Net 

Research opportunities are hard to secure, especially when you’re a young student, so you need to be persistent. You may need to write a hundred emails, but if you put in the effort and cast a wide net, you’ll vastly improve your chances of landing a great opportunity. 

Try not to be too picky, either. Of course, you shouldn’t just accept any offer , especially if it doesn’t appeal to you. But even if the opportunity doesn’t align perfectly with your skills and interests, it can still be a great chance to gain experience and make you a better candidate for future experiences.

How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances? 

How much participating in research enhances your college admissions profile depends on many factors, including the scope of the project, the prestige of the program or institution, your individual role and performance, the institution’s connections to or sponsorships by certain colleges, and even how much weight a college places on extracurricular activities in general. 

Generally speaking, there are four tiers of extracurricular activities that colleges think about when reviewing applicants’ activities. Selective, competitive, and prestigious activities are often found in the top tiers, Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 includes things such as being a highly recruited basketball player or an award-winning national science fair competitor. 

Tier 2 is similar, but is usually reserved for activities that are less exceptional than those in Tier 1. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurricular achievements, such as holding school leadership positions or being a member of a debate team.

Research usually falls into Tier 2, and some particularly prestigious opportunities could even be Tier 1. That’s because it’s somewhat unusual for high school students to conduct research in professional and collegiate settings, so it’s more likely to impress colleges than other kinds of extracurricular activities.

Do you want to find out the impact research and other extracurricular activities might have on your chances of admission to top colleges and universities? Try using CollegeVine’s free chancing calculator ! 

Our tool evaluates your admissions profile, by accounting for factors like your grades,standardized test scores, and extracurriculars (including research!) to show you how you stack up against other applicants and how likely you are to get into hundreds of different colleges and universities. You’ll also receive tips on how to improve your profile and your odds—all for free.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

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Top 30 Online High School Research Programs in Summer

Madeleine Karydes

Lead admissions expert, table of contents, high school research programs.

Stay up-to-date on the latest research and college admissions trends with our blog team.

Are you looking for online research opportunities for high school students in STEM for the summertime? While the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine may have arrived, most won’t access it until mid-2021. By extension, this means many high school students will be looking to participate in activities online this summer. Due to the strain on medical facilities following major COVID waves, high school summer research programs in person will be limited.

So, what are your options, other than taking an e-course in which you learn in a traditional classroom setting? Why not try a more hands-on research program? (Although, for safety, in this case, hands-on means virtually.) Virtual summer programs and research opportunities for high school students are out there! Let’s discuss online research opportunities for your upcoming mid-year break.

Firstly, let’s take a look at how one of these online research opportunities for high school students can help you.

STEM research programs offer participants the chance to be actively involved in either group or individual research projects. In some cases, projects are combined with lectures in specific STEM subjects. In fact, in these unique high school summer research programs, the combined instruction overlaps with research work. And best of all, an experienced mentor or supervisor paired with each student group can help guide the tangible research process to be educational. 

However, these summer research programs for high school students tend to be more competitive than traditional extracurricular activities. Often, the material itself requires some prior knowledge. Beyond this, in many high school summer research programs, applicants need to meet a GPA requirement and/or take specific high school courses to apply. In addition, they also tend to be targeted at students in the last two to three years of high school. Nonetheless, if you think you’re up to the challenge, seeking online research opportunities for high school students will give you a jump start on the process in college.

In future summers, many colleges believe that COVID restrictions will still be in place. As a result, they offer their high school summer research opportunities and programs online. Others have not yet made a decision but will offer online learning if restrictions still apply. Either way: virtual summer programs are a great way to expand your academic portfolio. Because of recent changes, if these competitive programs interest you, then take a look at our top 30 list of online research programs for opportunities open to you below! 

Top 30 Online Summer Research Programs, High School

Firstly, option one:

1. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program

Online in 2021 .

About: The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) provides high school students with a unique and personalized opportunity to conduct hands-on research. For instance, students study under the mentorship of leading scientists at great research facilities. Overall, during this rigorous 7-week program, students immerse themselves in scientific culture while gaining an appreciation for discovery.

Deadline: 1/4/2021

Length: 6 weeks

Age: Minimum age of 16 years old

Cost: Free, stipend paid

2. Simons Summer Research Program

About : Similarly, the Simons Summer Research Program gives high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on research. Research subjects include science, math, or engineering. In addition, Simons Fellows work with distinguished faculty mentors, learn laboratory techniques and tools, become part of active research teams, and experience life at a research university.

Deadline: Opens late Jan 2021; last year’s deadline was 1/22/2020

Length : 6 weeks

3. Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory – High School Student Summer Research Fellowship

Possibly online in 2021. if not, salisbury cove, me ..

About : Like the first two, MDI Biological Laboratory offers summer research fellowship opportunities for high school students with an interest in developing scientific research skills. MDI welcomes applicants who desire hands-on, research training experience within an advanced laboratory.

Deadline: Teacher nomination due 1/8/2021

Length : 10 weeks

Age: Minimum age of 16; must be nominated by a teacher before the student can initiate an application.

4. Secondary Student Training Program at the University of Iowa

On-campus and online options in 2021 due to covid-19..

About : This is a unique 5  ½ week-long research experience for highly capable students. Participants conduct scientific research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Thus, students spend approximately 40 hours a week working in labs on The University of Iowa campus.

Deadline: 2/18/2021  

Length : 5 weeks

Age: Current 10-11th graders

Cost: $6,395

Next on the list?

5. Center for Excellence in Education – Research Science Institute  

Possibly online in 2021. if not, cambridge, ma..

Deadline: 1/16/2021

About : Each summer, 80 students gather at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the Research Science Institute (RSI). In contrast to others, RSI is the first cost-free summer science & engineering program to combine on-campus coursework in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research.

Length : 7 weeks

Age: Rising 12th graders

6. Broad Summer Scholars Program

Possibly online in 2021. if not, boston, ma..

Deadline: 1/22/2021

About : The Broad Summer Scholars Program invites high school students with a strong interest in science to spend six weeks at the Broad Institute. Then, they match students with Broad scientists to conduct research projects in a variety of specialties.

Age: Rising 12th graders attending a high school in the greater Boston area

7. NIH – Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research (HS SIP)

Possibly online in 2021. if not, several campuses including bethesda, md.

About : The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides an opportunity to spend a summer working at the NIH side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world. Accordingly, these students work in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research.

Deadline: 2/1/2021

Length : Minimum 8 weeks

Age: Minimum age of 17

Cost: Free, paid a stipend

8. UCSD – Academic Connections Research Scholar s

About : The UCSD Research Scholars program allows up to about 25 total students to each work individually with a UCSD Faculty researcher. They will do so in an actual Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or Nanotechnology lab on campus. In this case, this program offers both winter and summer sessions for these online summer programs.  

Deadline: Rolling admissions. In fact, the application is open now for the winter session.

Age: Rising 10-12th graders

Cost: $4,200

9. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship

Possibly online in 2021. if not, fairfax, va..

About : As can be seen, students work one-on-one with researchers at George Mason University or collaborating institutions. Hence, students will use state-of-the-art technology to solve hypothesis-driven questions in a variety of STEM and related fields.

Deadline: 1/31/2021

Length : 7.5 weeks

Age: Minimum age of 16

Still, are you looking for more suggestions?

10. IndianaU – Simon Cancer Center Summer Research Program

Possibly online in 2021. if not, indianapolis, in.

About : The IU Simon Cancer Center Summer Research Program (SRP) aims to increase the number of under-represented high school and undergraduate students. Specifically, this program is for students pursuing biomedical and behavioral science careers. In order to do this, IU supports these students by providing first-hand exposure to these fields.

Deadline: 2/14/2021

Length 8 weeks

Age: Current 12th graders. Additionally, preference is given to students from Indianapolis

11. CHORI – Cystic Fibrosis Summer Research Program

About : The CHORI Summer Student Research Program allows students to immerse themselves in basic and/or clinical research for three months during the summer. More importantly, the program pairs students with one or two CHORI PIs who serve as mentors, guiding the students through all phases of research. As such, the phases include the research design, testing of their own hypotheses, and methodology growth. Coupled with these aspects, students present their research to their peers just as any professional researcher would do.

Deadline: 2/5/2021

Length : 9 weeks

Age: Current 11-12th graders

12. RISE Internship / Practicum – Boston University

About : Students who are passionate about the sciences and entering their senior year of high school are invited to apply to the Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) program. RISE offers two tracks: Internship and Practicum. Because of this, you can spend six weeks at BU conducting university laboratory research with some of the nation’s brightest scientific minds and advance your knowledge and skills.

Age: Rising 12th grader

Cost: Residential student – $7500, Commuter student – $5000

13. UPMC Cancer Center Academy

Possibly online in 2021. if not, pittsburgh, pa..

About : The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Academy, previously the UPCI Academy, strives to provide cutting-edge research and career preparatory experiences. Like other programs, they seek a diverse group of highly motivated high school students. Above all, the program is designed for students who are pursuing higher education and careers in STEM fields, especially research and medicine.

Deadline: 2/16/2021

Age: Minimum age of 15 years old

Cost: Free. Cost to reside on campus – $7,000

14. The Summer Youth Intensive Program

About : The Summer Youth Intensive Program (SYIP) is designed, organized, and delivered by the College of Chemistry at UC Berkeley. However, SYIP is far from the traditional summer program. In fact, SYIP goes over the course of one year and serves students who are passionate about scientific research and who are focused on maximizing their future success in college. Importantly, it’s worth noting which online summer programs like this help you transition to college life.

Deadline: Rolling admissions

Length : 4 weeks

Age: Rising 9-12th graders in the SF Bay Area, CA

Cost: Approx. $14, 500

Moving on, let’s take a look at the next batch:

15. Samuel Merritt University – Clinical Immersion and Mentoring Summer Internshi p

Possibly online in 2021. if not, oakland, ca..

About : As has been noted, participants experience direct patient observation, shadow mentors in patient care settings, and interact with a broad spectrum of health staff. Along with this, students attend daily development seminars.

Deadline: Opens 1/4/202, last year deadline: 2/21/2020

Age: Current 9-12th graders from underrepresented groups in health in the SF Bay Area, CA

Cost: Free, may receive a stipend

16. Summer Science Program

Possibly online in 2021. if not,   several campuses..

About : Students learn the fundamentals of enzyme structure, function, and evolution. After that, each team of three combines bench experiments and computer tools to characterize a member of an enzyme family that is implicated in crop infection by fungal pathogens. In fact, students work with one which has never been modeled by anyone before.

Length : 39 days

Age: Rising 12th graders but will consider rising 11th graders too

Cost: 3,950 if online, or $6,950 if in-person

17. NEI Summer Intern Program

Possibly online in 2021. if not, bethesda, md ..

About : The National Eye Institute NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) provides opportunities for students to spend the summer working with some of the world’s leading scientists. As a result, summer interns come to the NEI to participate in research projects.

Length : 8 weeks

Age: Minimum age of 17. In addition, applicants must reside approximately 40 miles from the NIH Bethesda campus at the time of application, if they are not eighteen by June 15, 2021

Cost: Free, monthly stipend is paid

18. Science Internship Program @ UCSC

Possibly online in 2020, online. if not, santa cruz, ca..

About : SIP is a summer-long (10-week) research internship program for high-school students in STEM fields. In other words, UCSC faculty, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers provide one-on-one mentoring for these high-school interns. As you can see, this is a great opportunity to see how some online summer programs allow you to work at a collegiate level. The research projects are real, in that they are not made up just for high-school students; instead, students are inserted into existing research projects here at UCSC.

Deadline: TBD; however, note last year’s deadline: 3/20/2020

Age: Must be 14 (or 16 for some projects)

Cost: Approx. $4,000

19. UIllinois – High School STEM Research Program s

About : Rising high school juniors and seniors are invited to apply for an authentic STEM research experience at a world-class research university for 6 weeks during the summer. Given that they are accepted, students gain hands-on experience in various STEM fields.

Deadline: Opens March 2021, last year’s deadline: 3/20/2020

Length : 1.5 months

Cost: Free, stipend is paid

In this section, let’s keep considering options:

20. Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center Stanford Summer Internship

Possibly online in 2021. if not, stanford, ca..

About : This summer internship is an elective course for high school and pre-med students. To be specific, this internship will provide exposure to the steps towards mastering basic and advanced cardiothoracic surgery (for example, knot tying, dissection, suturing, coronary artery bypass graft, and aortic valve replacements).

Deadline: 3/21/2021

Length : 2 weeks

Cost: Approx. $6,000

21. Fred Hutch – Summer High School Internship Program

Possibly online in 2021.  if not, seattle, wa.

About : High school students are welcome to apply for an 8-week, paid summer research internship at Fred Hutch. Indeed, Hutch has an international reputation for its pioneering research in biological sciences, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, cancer prevention, epidemiology, and biostatistics.

Deadline: 3/31/2021

Cost: Free, stipend paid.

22. Seattle Children’s Research Institute – Research Training Program

Online and in-person in seattle, wa..

About : Become familiar with working in a research lab environment and gain hands-on experience. In addition, learn about what you want to do with your future and possible careers. Beyond this, you can increase your knowledge of global health. What’s more, you will discover options for college and scholarships.

Further, students will also participate in workshops on college readiness and career exploration. These programs provide students with a solid foundation for a future career in biomedical research, and there is no cost to participate. 

Deadline: In-person: 4/4/2021; or Online: 6/20/21

Length : Online: 1 week, In-person: 3 weeks

Age: High school students

23. Pioneer Academics

About : Pioneer Academics is an online research program founded in cooperation between American university professors and international education experts. Its goal is to provide outstanding high school students around the world with challenging and creative research opportunities across a wide range of disciplines.

Carry out research in the areas of natural sciences, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities. This is one of several online summer programs especially equipped for digital learning.

Deadline: The deadline will be announced on March 10, 2021, last year’s deadline was 4/26/2020

Age: Current 9-12th graders

Cost: Approx. $6,500

24. Cell-Science Summer Internship Program

Possibly online in 2021. if not, fremont, ca ..

About : The goal of this program is to educate next-generation scientists about rational drug design & discovery in biotechnology.  As such, the Summer Internship program will also have guest lectures by experts from leading Pharma/Biotech companies. In addition, they will host two workshops for career development. Students will have a chance to work on the Bioinformatics project for 7 weeks and give oral presentations and submit project reports.

Deadline: TBD, last year’s deadline was 5/20/2020

If you’ve made it this far, there is still more to review!

25. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)  

Online in 2021.

About : A program for talented high school students hosted by the University of California, Irvine. COSMOS students apply to a specific “cluster”, with each cluster addressing advanced topics in STEM fields, including a variety of engineering disciplines, pharmaceutical sciences, and computer science (to name a few).

Deadline: 2/19/2021

Cost: Approx. $2,000

26. UCSB Research Mentorship Program

Online in 2021..

About : The Research Mentorship Program is a competitive, six-week summer program that engages high-achieving high school students from all over the world in university-level research. Students will be paired up with a mentor (graduate student, postdoc, or faculty) and choose a research project from a large list of disciplines offered by the program each year.

Deadline: 3/15/2021

Cost: Approx. $10,500 

27. US Youth Ambassadors and TechGirls

Possibly online in 2021. if not, blacksburg va.

About : Join 28 girls from 7 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for an exciting and unparalleled week of quality tech training and international friendship on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg VA. Participants will collaborate on tech projects by day and participate in stimulating cross-cultural dialogues and fun times at night!

Deadline: 1/15/2021

Length : 22 days

Age: Minimum age of 15 years old, GIRLS ONLY

28. Facebook Summer Academy

About : Facebook Summer Academy Externs will have the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day operations of one of the leading social media networks by being part of a live workforce. Externs will work closely with Facebook Mentors to gain real-world work experience and on-the-job skills that will help propel them into successful careers.

Age: Current 10th graders. Must be full-year residents of the SF Bay Area

29. Camp Euclid – A Mathematics Research Camp

About : Camp Euclid is an online math research program for youth. Participants will encounter math problems (which have never been solved before). Mull over and grapple with difficult math problems within a circle of fellow researchers.

Deadline: TBD, last year’s deadline was 6/13/2020

Age: Maximum age of 19 years old

Cost: Approx $1,400

And finally, our last entry of online research opportunities for high schoolers today:

30. UC Irvine Math ExpLR: Summer Research Program

Possibly online in 2021. if not, irvine, ca.

About : Math ExpLR is a program in mathematical biology. Students will be paired up with undergraduates and work with a PI on a computational biology research project.  In addition, there will be weekly activities in skills development, including how to give presentations, or how to write math on the computer. By the end of the project, all students will give a presentation about their research and submit an expository paper about their work.

Deadline: TBD, last year’s deadline was 3/1/2020

Online high school research programs offer valuable opportunities for students to engage in research and expand their academic horizons from the comfort of their own homes. These programs provide access to online research opportunities for high school students, allowing them to delve into a variety of fields and explore their interests. Virtual research opportunities for high school students enable them to work on real research projects, collaborate with professionals, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their chosen fields. These programs foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, setting students up for success in future academic and professional endeavors.

One of the key advantages of online high school research programs is their flexibility and accessibility. These programs are designed to be accessible to students regardless of their location or time constraints. Students can participate in online summer research for high school students without the need for travel or being tied to a specific location. This flexibility allows students to engage in research activities while managing other commitments, such as part-time jobs or extracurricular activities. Virtual research programs provide an inclusive and convenient platform for high school students to pursue their research interests.

High school summer research programs conducted online offer students a chance to gain valuable experience and build a strong foundation for future academic and professional pursuits. By participating in these programs, students have the opportunity to work closely with researchers and experts in their fields of interest. They can develop research skills, learn about the research process, and gain exposure to cutting-edge research methodologies and technologies. Online high school research programs also offer mentorship and guidance, providing students with invaluable insights and support as they navigate their research projects.

Another significant advantage of online high school research programs is that they often provide free high school internships for the summertime. These programs offer financial accessibility, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can participate and benefit from research experiences. Free high school internships through online research programs allow students to explore their interests without the burden of financial constraints. By removing financial barriers, these programs promote equity and inclusivity, ensuring that talented high school students have equal opportunities to engage in meaningful research and enhance their academic profiles.

How do I apply?

Yes, applications for these online research opportunities for high school students tend to be lengthier than other less competitive programs available to you. Not only that, these reputable summer research programs for high school students apps usually require essay responses to several questions as well as letters of recommendation. Furthermore, these online summer programs will definitely be in-demand this year and in years to come.

Securing a spot in online high school research programs can open doors to exciting research opportunities and contribute to a student’s academic and professional growth. To tap into online research opportunities for high school students, start by actively searching for virtual research programs that align with your interests. Look for organizations, universities, and institutions that offer online summer research for high school students. Explore their websites and program details to understand the application process, eligibility criteria, and deadlines. One way to increase your chances of getting into online high school research programs is to showcase your passion and interest in the field. Craft a compelling application that highlights your enthusiasm, relevant coursework, and any previous research experiences or projects you have undertaken. Emphasize how participating in the program aligns with your academic goals and how it will contribute to your personal and professional development. Additionally, highlight any extracurricular activities, awards, or achievements that demonstrate your dedication and commitment to the field of research.

Networking and reaching out to mentors or professionals in your desired research field can also be beneficial. Attend virtual conferences, webinars, or workshops related to your area of interest and connect with experts in the field. Engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, and express your eagerness to learn and contribute to research. Building relationships and establishing connections with professionals can provide you with valuable insights, advice, and potential recommendations that may enhance your application for online high school research programs.

Don’t overlook the importance of researching and applying for free high school internships for the summertime. Many organizations and institutions offer free or funded research internships specifically designed for high school students. Explore online platforms, research institutes, and educational websites that curate a list of available internships. Make sure to read the requirements and application instructions carefully, and tailor your application to showcase your skills, academic achievements, and interest in the specific research area. Take advantage of these opportunities to gain hands-on experience, contribute to ongoing research projects, and expand your knowledge in your chosen field.

But, if you need help constructing a quality application for these online research opportunities, why not get experts to help? The Empowerly community can not only help you find exactly which online summer research opportunities for high school students suit your interests. Not only that, we edit your essay responses. Most of all, working with a counselor can even ensure that you meet the fast-approaching summer research programs in high school deadlines. Schedule a free consultation with us today! 

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Top Online Research Opportunities for High School Students

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/26/24

Read on to learn about the best online research opportunities for high school students and how to strengthen your college profile !

Enrolling in an online research program can help set you up for college success, particularly if you're interested in undergraduate research. 

This guide will teach you what you need to know about the benefits of virtual research, what to look for in research opportunities, and a list of the best online research opportunities for high school students!

Benefits of Virtual Research Opportunities for High School Students 

In general, research exposure is important for high school students. According to the American Psychological Association , research for high school students can help provide early career exposure, develop necessary life and career skills, and build and expand a professional network. 

However, virtual research opportunities for high school students in particular have added benefits: 

• Generally lower costs compared to in-person programs 
• No need to navigate transportation, accommodations, or any other travel logistics 
• Flexibility (depending on the program) 
• A mix of guided and independent work 

Overall, virtual research opportunities for high school students mean they can get valuable research experience with fewer barriers, such as high costs, time, and distance.

What to Look For in an Online Research Opportunity 

There are three main factors you should consider when looking for the best online research opportunities for high school students: 

• Who offers the program : Check your source (an organization, school, etc.) and learn more about them. Are they reputable? Will partnering with them give you the tools you need to succeed? 
• The program’s value : Consider what your role would be in the program and what skills you'd learn. Does the program offer enough guidance for your success? Does the program offer mixed learning through webinars and workshops? Is the research you'd be doing relevant to your passions? 
• The time commitment/flexibility : Will the program's schedule fit with your own? Do you have to attend live meetings/lectures, or are they pre-recorded? Can you speak one-on-one in real-time with a research expert? Consider time commitments and flexibility to see if a program works for your busy schedule. 

To summarize, look for programs with a reputation for excellence, offer guidance and the opportunity to hone or build new skills, and work for you when added to your schedule.

Best Online Research Opportunities for High School Students

These are some of the best online research opportunities for high school students: 

• The Lumiere Research Scholar Program : This research program was founded by Harvard and Oxford scholars, allowing students to work one-on-one with Ph.D. mentors to create an "independently-developed research project." ‍
• Horizon Academic (HARP) : HARP is a trimester-long research opportunity . Students work with a professor as they develop a college-level research project. Most students complete a 20+ page research paper by the program's end.  ‍
• Pioneer Academics : Many top colleges hold Pioneer Academics in high regard : “it’s the only online credit-bearing research program” offering STEM, social sciences, and humanities disciplines. Students work one-on-one with U.S. university professors, and the program is open to students worldwide. 
• Polygence : Polygence offers one-on-one mentorship with a research expert in the field and flexible scheduling. Students in the program can earn college credit from the University of California, write a research paper, and pursue “passion projects” such as starting a podcast, writing a novel, publishing a paper, and more.
• Cambridge Future Scholar Programme : This online research opportunity is taught by professors from Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, Stanford, and select Ivies . Students can choose from 34 STEM, Business, Social Sciences, and Humanities courses. Outcomes include a research paper and recommendation letter from an Oxbridge or Ivy League faculty member.  ‍
• CrowdMath : CrowdMath is an open project run by MIT Primes and the Art of Problem Solving. The purpose is for students to “experience research mathematics and discover ideas that did not exist before.” Students can comment on the message board to try and solve complex problems.
• Indigo Research: Their High School Research Program pairs students 1:1 with professors and mentors from top universities in the US and UK to develop their own research project. Indigo is known for having some of the strictest education requirements for mentors (including professors from Ivy League universities), as well as the most flexible research program, allowing students to tailor personalized mentorship sessions according to their schedule.

These are some of our top picks, but it doesn’t stop here! Taking initiative to find research opportunities will look excellent on your college application, so you should keep looking until you find the right one for you.

Final Thoughts

Virtual research opportunities for high school students can help you explore your interest areas, gain the necessary skills you'll need for undergraduate research, and build your professional network. Before applying, consider the program's source, value, and time commitment. 

Remember, the best online research opportunity for any high school student is one that you’re passionate about participating in. Whether you're interested in STEM, business, pre-med, or humanities, there’s a research opportunity waiting for you.

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Research Scholars

RESEARCH SCHOLARS COURSES ARE OFFERED AS IN-PERSON, ONLINE, OR HYBRID FORMAT. 

Managed by the Division of Extended Studies, the Research Scholars program at UC San Diego provides high school students with unparalleled educational opportunities that leverage the intellectual capital of an internationally ranked research university and teaches highly sought-after skills that can make students more competitive candidates for college admissions and internship opportunities. Students will assume the role of a researcher, becoming fully immersed in projects that have real-world applications. From Bioengineering and Life Sciences to Design Thinking, choose a topic and apply today!

Discover how engineering principles apply to biological systems and biomedical technologies - Courses are offered online, in-person or hybrid.

Solve real-world problems using purposeful and innovative techniques- This course will be held online as a result of COVID19

Hands-on molecular biology research in a modern laboratory - Courses are offered online, in-person or hybrid.

This program is designed to empower students to share learning, network with peers, and become environmental advocates. Students will develop their skills in problem solving, organization, creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership that will support future career goals and aspirations in the field of marine science. - Courses are offered online, in-person or hybrid.

Explore the fields of sports medicine and oncofertility - These courses will be held online as a result of COVID19

Through a combination of in-class discussions, real-life venture case studies and venture simulations developed at the top Universities, this course prepares for your careers and advanced education in business, entrepreneurship, and management with a solid grounding in fundamentals. - These courses will be held online as a result of COVID19

Summer 2024 Admissions Open Now. Sign up for upcoming live information sessions here (featuring former and current Admission Officers at Havard and UPenn).

5 Free Virtual Research Opportunities For High School Students

Virtual research opportunities for high school students are programs that provide hands-on experience and research projects in various STEM fields, such as mathematics, computer science, computational biology, physics, neuroscience, and engineering. These programs are designed to deepen students’ understanding of STEM and help them develop the skills needed to succeed in their academic and professional careers. 

Participating in these programs can also help high school students expand their knowledge and skills in their areas of interest and work on exciting, unsolved problems with established researchers from top-tier universities. 

Virtual research opportunities are especially useful for high school students who are unable to attend in-person programs due to distance, cost, or other factors. They offer a flexible and accessible way to gain valuable experience and knowledge from the comfort of their own homes. In this article, we will discuss five free virtual research opportunities available for high school students.

1. MIT Primes  

MIT PRIMES is a free, year-long after-school program that provides research projects and guided reading to high school students in the areas of mathematics, computer science, and computational biology. The program is designed for students living within driving distance from Boston, and it offers four sections: PRIMES, PRIMES-USA, Menezes Challenge PRIMES Circle, and Yulia’s Dream.

PRIMES is a research-focused program in which participants work with MIT researchers to solve exciting, unsolved problems. PRIMES-USA is a distance mentoring math research section for high school juniors and sophomores from across the United States. Menezes Challenge PRIMES Circle is a math enrichment section for underrepresented groups living within commuting distance from Boston. Yulia’s Dream is a math enrichment and research program for exceptional high school students from Ukraine.

In addition to these sections, PRIMES runs two collaborative initiatives: MathROOTS, a two-week summer program for high-potential high school students from underrepresented backgrounds or underserved communities, and CrowdMath, a year-long online collaborative research project open to all high school and college students worldwide.

Finally, PRIMES STEP is a year-long math enrichment program for middle school students from Greater Boston.

Overall, MIT PRIMES aims to provide challenging and engaging opportunities for students with a passion for mathematics and science. Through research projects, guided reading, and collaborative initiatives, PRIMES seeks to foster the intellectual growth and development of high school and middle school students, and to inspire them to pursue their interests in these fields.

MIT PRIMES is a prestigious year-long after-school program that offers research projects and guided reading to high school students interested in mathematics, computer science, and computational biology. 

The admissions for the 2023 cycle are closed, and the admission decisions are made by February 1. However, for the 2024 cycle, new problem sets will be posted on October 1, 2023, and applicants will have until November 30, 2023, to solve the relevant problem set(s). 

To apply for MIT PRIMES, you must be a high school student (or a home-schooled student of high school age) living in the Greater Boston area, able to come to MIT weekly from February to May.

To apply, you need to fill out a questionnaire, ask for two or three letters of recommendation, and submit your solutions of the PRIMES problem set. Applicants to the Math section must solve the Math problem set (at least 70%), and applicants to the Computer Science and Computational Biology sections must solve the Computer Science problem set (100%) and the General part of the Math problem set (at least 70%). Admission decisions are based on all components of your application, and there is no application fee.

MIT PRIMES suggests a list of recommended readings as a preparation for entering the program and as a background for further research. By participating in MIT PRIMES, students can gain hands-on experience working on exciting, unsolved problems with MIT researchers and expand their knowledge and skills in these areas.

The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a program that provides opportunities for underrepresented high school students to explore STEM fields. The program is designed to deepen students’ understanding of STEM through traditional classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with faculty and staff mentors. 

SAMS Scholars are taught by renowned faculty and staff who are deeply committed to their success. They also have the opportunity to collaborate and develop meaningful relationships with peers from across the country. Through SAMS and other outreach initiatives, the program aims to develop a diverse and supportive community of STEM Scholars interested in attending top-tier universities.

The program consists of two parts: Part one is a virtual jumpstart that will occur prior to the start of the residential program. This will focus on skill-building that will be needed for the in-person program. Part two is a 5-week in-person Pre-College program where students will move into the residence halls and attend full days of courses and meetings. The academic portion of the program will conclude with a symposium, and students will move out of the residence halls at the end of the program. 

SAMS is a fully funded, merit-based program, and there is no cost for scholars to participate. To be eligible for the program, students must be at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and a junior in high school at the time of application submission. Scholars are expected to participate fully for the duration of the program and cannot participate in any other programs if selected for SAMS.

3. University of Illinois – High School Summer Research Program

The High School Summer STEM research program invites current 9th-11th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin to apply for an authentic six-week STEMM research experience at a world-class research university. Participants will be matched with another student, and in some cases, a teacher from their school. 

The program aims to provide hands-on experience in various STEMM fields, including cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, physics, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, and electrical engineering.

Participants will work with established researchers in engineering, computer science, and medicine and attend weekly seminars on topics such as college admission processes and support available, communicating scientifically, and preparing research posters etc. Students will also interact with faculty, post-doctoral researchers, graduate students, undergraduate students, and local high school teachers.

Participants will showcase their research with a research poster and symposium at the end of the program. They should plan for 30-35 hours per week of research and professional development time, with a majority of activities taking place on the University of Illinois campus. 

The program covers some transportation/parking expenses, meals, and a monetary award.

High school teachers play an essential role in the program, with some research projects requiring a teacher to be a co-researcher, and others having a teacher mentor who checks in weekly with the students to discuss their research progress and address any issues or challenges. 

Teachers and students do not need to come from the same school, and interested individuals should apply regardless of whether they can recruit others from their school to apply.

The program also invites research faculty, staff, and graduate student researchers affiliated with The Grainger College of Engineering and the Carle Illinois College of Medicine to propose a high school research project for consideration. The proposals will be mentored by POETS YS, GEnYuS, or SpHERES research teams, which will guide two high school juniors/seniors from limited understanding to completion of a related project of their own and poster presentation explaining their research.

In summary, the High School Summer STEM research program provides high school students with an opportunity to engage in authentic STEMM research and develop professional and college-ready skills. Participants work with established researchers, attend weekly seminars, and showcase their research at the end of the program. 

The program aims to provide hands-on experience and build confidence in students as scientists and engineers.

4. Simons Summer Research Program

The Simons Summer Research Program is a highly selective program that offers high school students the opportunity to conduct hands-on research with Stony Brook faculty mentors. Founded in 1984, the program attracts applicants from all over the country, with Simons Fellows being paired with a faculty mentor, joining a research group or team, and taking responsibility for a project. Students are encouraged to demonstrate independence, creativity, and an aptitude for hands-on work, with a strong interest in science. The program takes place during the summer before the student’s senior year of high school, with students participating in the program from June 26, 2023 to August 11, 2023.

In addition to working on their research project, Simons Fellows attend weekly faculty research talks, special workshops, tours, and events. At the closing poster symposium, students present their research project through a written research abstract and a research poster. Participants receive a stipend award.

The Simons Summer Research Program is supported by the Simons Foundation and is open to US citizens and/or permanent residents who are at least 16 years of age by the start of the program. The program is an opportunity for high school students interested in science to learn valuable techniques, experience life at a major research university, and develop independence, creativity, and an aptitude for hands-on work. The program aims to give students a glimpse into the world of scientific research and inspire them to pursue careers in science.

5. EnergyMag Internship

EnergyMag is offering virtual internships for high school and college students interested in increasing the share of renewable energy in the world and gaining work experience in the energy storage industry. 

The internships aim to provide students with research and analysis skills that will be valuable for their future professional lives. The virtual internship allows students to complete their internship hours virtually, providing flexibility to fit the experience into their busy personal and professional lives. Additionally, virtual interns enjoy the unique rewards of learning from experts regardless of their geographic location and strengthening their information and computer skills. 

The internships are strong resume boosters for employers, graduate college programs, and undergraduate programs. 

EnergyMag offers half-time and quarter-time virtual internships. Half-time internships are available in the summer for two to eight weeks, with interns expected to work approximately 20 hours per week. Quarter-time internships are available all year round for one to nine months, with interns expected to work approximately eight hours per week. The internships are unpaid, and interns work from home while maintaining daily electronic contact with EnergyMag and their mentor. 

Depending on the student’s graduation date, academic record, and experience, interns will be asked to research and analyze a specific company, technology, or market. The intern will be mentored, briefed, supervised, and assisted in producing a draft analysis report. If the report is publishable, EnergyMag will give the intern an internship Letter of Accomplishment. 

The application process for college and high school internships requires an application explaining why EnergyMag should grant an internship, a Skype or voice interview, and a writing sample upon request. College interns are also required to provide their academic record, and high school interns should have at least one honors science or English class with a GPA above 3.25. 

EnergyMag believes that internships provide the opportunity for students to learn on-the-job skills that are not easy to acquire at school but will make a big difference in their future professional success, such as learning how to research a scientific or business issue, approach strangers with positions of authority in a friendly and professional manner, analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources, and communicate professionally in writing.

The blog highlights five virtual research opportunities for high school students, providing hands-on experience and research projects in various STEM fields such as mathematics, computer science, physics, neuroscience, and engineering. These virtual research opportunities aim to provide students with a deeper understanding of STEM and develop the necessary skills to succeed in academic and professional careers. Furthermore, these programs help expand knowledge and work on unsolved problems with established researchers from top-tier universities.

Virtual research opportunities for high school students provide a flexible and accessible way to gain valuable experience and knowledge from the comfort of their own homes. These programs aim to foster the intellectual growth and development of high school and middle school students, and inspire them to pursue their interests in these fields.

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Download Programme Prospectus

• Programme structure
• Research course catalogue
• Professor biographies
• Tuition and Scholarship

Start Your Application

Cambridge Future Scholar (Summer 24)

Admission is OPEN

Early Admissions Deadline: May 1

Regular Admissions Deadline: May 15

Rolling Admissions.

1-on-1 Research Mentorship Admission is open all year.

• Master Course List
• STEM Courses
• Social Science Courses
• Project Extensions
• Instructors
• How It Works
• Why Participate
• Student Testimonials
• Examples of Student Work

What is Horizon Academic?

Horizon academic (harp) is a trimester-long online research program for extraordinary high school students to refine their interest in an academic subject. students will develop a college-level research project under the individualized guidance of a professor from a globally renowned university., how does it work, horizon scholars choose their own field of inquiry and work with their professor to develop a unique research proposal. after a trimester of reading, writing, and exploring, horizon scholars finish their final projects, most often a 20-25 page research paper. by showcasing a student's very best work, horizon gives students the opportunity to get letters of recommendation, seek outside recognition of the quality of their work, and demonstrate their exceptional talent to universities., how we support student research.

"I got into the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program at UMICH, largely because of the work I did with Horizon."

John L. Miller Great Neck North High School

"I loved the whole program, I just loved it. It felt like some part of me was doing something that really matters, like I was contributing to something bigger."

Robert College

Meet Danielle's & Gunay's Mentor:

Edoardo gallo assistant professor and director of studies (economics) at university of cambridge.

Dr. Gallo is also the Ajit Singh Official Fellow in Economics at Queens' College, Cambridge and a Fellow at the Cambridge Endowment for Research in Finance. His research sits at the intersection of the economics of networks, experimental economics, and behavioral economics questioning how the structure of social networks causally affects individual behavior and economic outcomes.

"A big thank you to you for all that you've done for me, from the Horizon program to the publication process after. You have gone over and beyond."

Branksome Hall

Meet Darynne's Mentor:

James truncer lecturer at harvard university extension school, former lecturer at stanford university  .

Dr. Truncer has taught environmental engineering and environmental systems collapse courses at Harvard & Stanford University. His work has led to an interest in sustainability issues with regard to changing agricultural production, urbanization, resource use, and systems collapse.

"One of the most exciting parts of Dr. Rezvani's class is that he never directly tells us how to think about a problem because it may hinder our intellectual development; he will seek our opinions and encourage everyone to participate in the discussion."

Western Academy of Beijing

Xing (tamia) wentong.

Liaoning Province Experimental High School

Meet Ally's & Tamia's Mentor:

David rezvani research assistant professor at dartmouth college.

David Rezvani has previously taught at Harvard University, MIT, Oxford University, and Boston University. His research interests include political integration, Asian politics, and US foreign policy. Rezvani's work has appeared in the Political Science Quarterly , Journal of Contemporary Asia , Ethnopolitics , and the International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences .

"I'm attending UCLA for neuroscience and actually decided that I love this major and want to pursue it as my career after completing the Horizon research program."

Dhirubhai Ambani International School

Meet Prarthna's Mentor:

Elisa phd researcher at the university of chicago.

Elisa researches in a clinical addiction and a fMRI memory laboratory, where she hopes to uncover more about the similarities and differences between various types of addictions and how individuals experience substance use and dependence. Her interest lies in the neural basis of motivated behaviors leading to substance abuse, reuse, and maintenance of addiction.

"It’s an opportunity to showcase my work to the entire world. Horizon has invested a lot into helping me through the process."

James Logan High School

Meet Karthik’s Mentor:

Parsa a. research associate at the university of cambridge.

Parsa's work focuses on Statistical Genetics. He has both academic and commercial experience in the application of statistical analysis to generate commercial and scientific value. Parsa also co-founded an online technology platform allowing the open source online generation of content by users.

"It was a great learning experience, and I will carry what I learned throughout college and in my future career."

Canton High School

Meet Harshitha’s Mentor:

Patrick liu phd researcher at the university of oxford  .

Patrick studies Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford. His research takes a neurobiology approach to understanding the molecular processes underlying sleep homeostasis and how neural circuits are able to temporally integrate information to effect meaningful behavioral output.

"My time with Horizon helped me prepare extensively for research in similar fields at university!"

Jayashree Periwal International School

Meet Diya's Mentor:

Nadia nasreddin phd researcher at the university of oxford.

Nadia works at the Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics at the University of Oxford. Her research focuses on colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, looking into the link between inflammation and tumorigenesis, with the ultimate goal of improving patient management and treatment.

Examples of Our Students' Work

Horizon Academic alumni may submit their final manuscript to be included in our pre-print server, enabling them to quickly share their work with others.

Students interested in pursuing publication opportunities may apply to external journals, or they may apply to have their papers published in the Horizon Academic Research Journal.

Our Purely Online Program, By the Numbers

GROUP RESEARCH PROJECT

PROGRAM DETAIL

• Program Hour and Duration: 1.5 hour VIRTUAL meeting   with a faculty mentor for a total of 8 weeks
• Tuition: $3,500 USD for the 8-week duration

Start Date: Anytime based on rolling admission result

• Target Students: This program is designed for high school stude nts who possess a strong motivation to learn and engage in research, regardless of prior research experience. It welcomes students with diverse interests and backgrounds.
• Group Research Paper Publication to a Journal 

• Target Students: This program is designed for high school students who possess a strong motivation to learn and engage in research, regardless of prior research experience. It welcomes students with diverse interests and backgrounds.
• Start Date: The program offers flexibility, allowing groups of students with similar research interests to begin at any time. This adaptability ensures that students can embark on their research journey when they are prepared.
• Program Hour and Duration: Students commit to 1.5-hour online meetings per week, providing a manageable yet immersive research experience. The program spans a total of 8 weeks, allowing for in-depth exploration and project completion.
• Tuition: The program offers exceptional value at a tuition fee of $4,500 USD for the entire 8-week duration, making it accessible to a wide range of motivated students.

Program Structure:

• 8 online sessions, each lasting 1.5 hours, provide students with ample opportunities for guidance and collaboration with their faculty mentor.
• Weekly performance reports and a final written performance evaluation by the faculty mentor ensure that students receive continuous feedback and support.
• Faculty mentors actively engage with students, providing guidance on assigned work and offering valuable insights throughout the research journey.
• The program encompasses research paper writing, revisions, and guidance on the publication process, providing a comprehensive research experience.

PROGRAM FEATURES

Faster Track to Publication:

Small Group Collaboration:

Expert Mentorship:

Online Accessibility:

Program Hour and Duration: 1 hour meeting with a faculty mentor for a total of 12 weeks

Tuition: $8,500 USD for the 12-week duration

High School Research

Advanced high school math students interested in research and mathematics can undertake research projects during the academic year as well as the summer. The two programs available to high school students are:

• RSI - Research Science Institute
• PRIMES - Program for Research In Mathematics, Engineering, and Science

Please visit each section for more information.

18 Research and Summer Programs in Massachusetts For High School Students

Research Opportunities for High School Students in Massachusetts

The top research programs in massachusetts for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability. see research opportunities in other states here ..

Hosting Institution

Online/In Person

Starting at $2695

Application Deadline

Dec 15, 2023

Neuroscience, Biology, Psychol...

Polygence is an online research program designed to offer high school students accessible research opportunities, making them more inclusive. The program was created by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford and provides tailored research projects, allowing students to explore their interests, acquire professional skills, and increase their competitiveness for college admissions.

Summer Science and Engineering Program

Smith College

Northampton (MA)

Mar 5, 2024

Engineering

SSEP's research courses focus on active learning by doing, rather than passive listening and observing. Students have the option to select two-week research courses where they collaborate in small groups with Smith faculty members and undergraduate interns. Through informal lectures both in the lab and in the field, students are encouraged to ask research questions and conduct actual experiments. The majority of the work is carried out through teamwork, but there are also opportunities for individual contributions. By participating in SSEP, students learn about the process of formulating research questions, working with sophisticated scientific instruments, and developing critical thinking and analytical skills.

Secondary School Program

Harvard University

Cambridge (MA)

$3,900-$14,250

Apr 10, 2024

Neuroscience

Harvard Summer School's Secondary School program is a rigorous seven-week academic program intended for highly motivated high school students who aspire to excel in college courses and earn college credits. The program offers a range of courses to choose from, including Neuroinvesting: Neuroscience and Financial Decision Making, Mind and Brain: Themes in the History of Neuroscience, and Becoming a Brain Scientist: Neuroscience and Psychology Research, among others.

Northeastern Young Scholar’s Program (YSP)

Northeastern University

Boston (MA)

Mar 15, 2024

Data Science

The Northeastern University Research Experience for High School Students is a program designed to offer rising senior students from Massachusetts hands-on research opportunities. Participants will collaborate with experienced faculty members from Northeastern University's Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences, engaging in various research projects. Although the specific projects for this year are yet to be determined, they may encompass fields such as bioengineering and artificial intelligence. In addition to research experience, the program provides valuable education and career counseling, allowing students to explore college life, partake in field trips, and attend seminars on engineering and career exploration. This comprehensive program aims to inspire and prepare students for future academic and professional pursuits in science and engineering.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mar 6, 2024

If you have a specific interest in radar systems and want to gain hands-on experience in this field, MIT's Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE) program is a great opportunity for you. This program, held in July, focuses on teaching participants how to build small radar systems, including Doppler and range radar. You will have the chance to work closely with highly talented scientists and engineers who will provide guidance and support throughout the workshop. The program takes place at two locations: the MIT campus in Cambridge, MA and the Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA. By participating in LLRISE, you will gain valuable knowledge and practical skills in radar systems, preparing you for further studies or a career in this specialized area of engineering.

The Research Science Institute (RSI)

Dec 13, 2023

This unique summer program, held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the first of its kind to be completely free of charge. Students participating in this program have the opportunity to delve into the realms of science and engineering, gaining hands-on experience in the entire research process. Spanning seven weeks, the program includes attending classes led by renowned professors, engaging in a five-week research internship, and culminating in the preparation and delivery of written and oral presentations to showcase their research findings.

Research Science Institute (RSI)

McLean (VA)

RSI (Research Science Institute) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and competitive research programs available for high school students in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This exclusive program takes place at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and accepts approximately 80 students each year. During their participation in RSI, students have the opportunity to collaborate with accomplished researchers based in Boston on independent research projects. At the conclusion of the program, students showcase their research findings to the wider community in a conference-style setting. This allows them to share their discoveries and insights with peers, mentors, and other interested individuals. The level of competition for admission to RSI is exceptionally high. For instance, in 2019, the program received around 1,600 applications for just 80 available spots, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 5%. This competitive acceptance rate underscores the program's selective nature and the caliber of students it attracts.

Mar 1, 2024

Mathematics

Mathroots, a 14-day summer program hosted by MIT-PRIMES, is an exceptional opportunity for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds or underserved communities who have a passion for mathematics. This program offers a creative and immersive experience where students can explore various topics in the field. Led by a team of experienced instructors, the program includes classes, group sessions, and lectures that cover both research and competition math. By participating in Mathroots, students can develop their problem-solving skills, expand their mathematical knowledge, and gain a deeper understanding of the subject. Whether you are interested in pursuing advanced math or simply want to explore creative mathematical ideas, Mathroots provides a supportive and engaging environment for growth and exploration.

SEA Summer High School Programs

Sea Education Association

Woods Hole (MA)

$8,250-$22,875

Biology, Comp Sci, Social Scie...

SEA offers unique summer high school programs for current high school students as well as graduating seniors. Choose from a shore-based field program on our campus in Woods Hole, Massachusetts on beautiful Cape Cod, or an at-sea voyage aboard the SSV Corwith Cramer with a focus on oceanographic research under sail. At SEA, there’s an adventure with a purpose waiting for every student interested in exploring the marine environment through hands-on, experiential, and community-based learning!

MIT’s Women’s Technology Program

No deadline

This program is specifically centered around empowering women. To be eligible, applicants should be high school juniors or seniors. It offers a 4-week immersive summer experience, combining academics and residence, catered to 60 female high school students. The focus of the program is to delve into engineering through interactive classes led by female MIT graduate students, laboratory sessions, and collaborative team projects. Participants can choose to concentrate on either Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) or Mechanical Engineering (ME). The aim is to provide hands-on learning opportunities and foster a supportive environment for young women interested in pursuing engineering disciplines.

MITES Summer

MITES Summer is indeed a highly prestigious and competitive program offered by MIT, aimed at promoting diversity in STEM fields. The program provides a unique opportunity for talented high school students to engage in rigorous academic coursework in mathematics, science, and humanities. Participants not only benefit from in-depth learning experiences but also gain exposure to cutting-edge research through lab tours and social events. Additionally, MITES Summer offers valuable college admissions counseling and a chance to immerse oneself in the vibrant campus life of MIT. This program fosters a supportive community of like-minded peers, encouraging networking and collaboration. Students can expect a challenging yet rewarding summer experience that prepares them for future academic and career pursuits in STEM.

MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute

The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute is set to provide academically motivated high school students with a range of virtual project-based courses. While these courses cover diverse engineering concepts such as Embedded Security and Hardware Hacking and Serious Game Development with AI, there are specific options available for students interested in aerospace engineering. These include the Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing and Remote Sensing for Disaster Response courses. The program offers a comprehensive experience with classes scheduled from 10 am to 6 pm EDT on weekdays, incorporating a blend of lectures, labs, and office hours. Participating students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning, collaborate on projects, and deepen their understanding of aerospace engineering concepts. The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute presents an exciting avenue for high school students to explore their passion for engineering in a dynamic virtual learning environment.

MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES)

During the 6-week program, high school students will engage in a full day of activities, including classes, workshops, guest speaker sessions, and tours, covering a wide range of subjects in STEM and humanities. Students will have the opportunity to explore elective courses, where they can work on specialized projects such as engineering design or machine learning. These projects allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting, fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities. The program culminates in a final symposium, where students present their projects to the broader MIT community, showcasing their achievements and sharing their insights and findings. This immersive experience provides a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of various disciplines, collaborate with like-minded peers, and gain exposure to the vibrant academic community at MIT.

MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) Summer

MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) is indeed an exceptional program designed to provide students from minority communities with exposure to STEM fields and a taste of college life at MIT. The program's six-week duration allows participants to engage in a rigorous academic curriculum encompassing subjects such as math, life sciences, physics, and humanities, providing a well-rounded education. Additionally, students have the opportunity to choose an elective course based on their interests. MITES goes beyond academics by offering insights into various STEM professions, fostering social interactions through organized events, and providing a firsthand experience of the vibrant campus community at MIT. As the program concludes, participants receive valuable written evaluations from their instructors, offering feedback and recognizing their achievements. For students interested in exploring other summer programs at MIT, the provided link offers a comprehensive list of available opportunities.

MIT Think Scholars Program

THINK is a unique program designed for students who have a passion for research and are in the early stages of developing a project. Unlike other programs that require a completed research project, THINK welcomes applicants who have extensively researched the background of a potential project and are seeking additional guidance to further their work. The program is organized by a group of undergraduate students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), known for their expertise in various fields. Through THINK, students have the opportunity to receive mentorship, guidance, and resources to refine their research ideas and gain valuable insights into the research process. It provides a supportive environment for students to explore their academic interests and develop their research skills under the guidance of experienced mentors from MIT.

MIT's Beaver Works Institute

The Beaver Works Institute at MIT offers a highly rigorous and renowned STEM program that encompasses a range of courses, including the exciting mechanical engineering-focused course, "Build a Cubesat." This four-week program immerses students in the process of designing, building, testing, and flying a Cubesat, a small satellite used for space missions. Through a combination of online sessions and hands-on work in the lab, students will engage in design trades, assembly, and testing of the space system. The course provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in developing systems for space, allowing students to apply their mechanical engineering skills in a real-world context. By participating in "Build a Cubesat," students will not only enhance their technical knowledge but also develop invaluable problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking abilities necessary for success in the field of space engineering.

MIT's Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)

MITES Summer is an exceptional six-week program hosted by MIT, specifically designed for rising high school seniors who possess a keen interest in science or engineering. The program is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity in STEM fields, prioritizing students from underrepresented backgrounds. Throughout MITES, students engage in a transformative learning experience that includes rigorous coursework, hands-on lab experiments, and the exploration of various career paths in science and engineering. Additionally, participants benefit from college admissions counseling, equipping them with invaluable guidance as they navigate the application process. To deepen their understanding of mechanical engineering, students have the opportunity to work on exciting projects involving robotics, thermodynamics, and design thinking. Furthermore, at the conclusion of the program, each student receives a comprehensive written evaluation from their instructor, which can serve as a valuable supplemental material for college applications. MITES Summer empowers students, fosters their passion for STEM, and prepares them for future academic and professional success in the field of science and engineering.

MIT’s THINK Scholar Program

THINK, organized by a group of undergraduates at MIT, offers a unique opportunity for high school students who have extensively researched a potential project but seek additional guidance in its early stages. Unlike programs that require completed research projects, THINK focuses on providing support and mentorship to students as they develop their research proposals. The program welcomes proposals in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, green technologies, and practical software applications. If you have prior experience in research and are seeking a program that can further enhance your project and provide valuable guidance, THINK is an excellent fit. This program empowers students to refine their research skills, receive mentorship from experienced undergraduates, and make progress on their projects in a supportive environment.

Are there many Research Opportunities for High School Students in the state of Massachusetts?

Consistently ranked at or near the top of U.S. News & World Report's Best States list, Massachusetts is home to some of the world's leading hospitals, educational institutions and one of the strongest economies in the nation, giving residents an exceptionally high quality of life. While a number of the top universities in Massachusetts have the advantage of being located in or close to the thriving city of Boston, a few are found further out in smaller cities. The state’s two top universities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, are both located in the city of Cambridge, just a short drive from Boston.

What other research opportunities are available?

For a full set of research opportunity listings, see our guide to research opportunities for high school students .

Want to start a project of your own?

Click below to get matched with one of our expert mentors who can help take your project off the ground!